NAB 2014: Codex intros compact action/S3D camera package

April 5, 2014

LAS VEGAS – Codex (www.codexdigital.com) has introduced Codex Action CAM, an ultra-compact, all-in-one, digital cinema camera and recording package for 2D and S3D production. The camera is designed for use as an action, witness, POV camera system on commercials, TV and movie productions as a companion camera when regular camera packages are too large for certain situations or locations in which the production is trying to shoot.

Codex Action CAM delivers a complete high-definition shooting, capture, transcoding and data management solution for instances that require a compact form factor and low weight. It comprises a tiny camera head and a Codex Camera Control Recorder that delivers full remote control of the camera, plus the proven workflow of Codex. Capable of shooting RAW at up to 60fps, Codex Action CAM resolves the common issues of syncing associated with small format camera solutions. Multiple camera heads can be in sync with other main unit cameras like the Arri Alexa.

Wide dynamic range, 14-bit image-processing, a 12-bit RAW output and Codex’s debayering, are all features of Action CAM, which performs well in normal and extreme lighting conditions. It uses a 2⁄3-inch CCD sensor, which provides excellent light sensitivity, low signal-to-noise ratio, temperature stability and no visible fixed-pattern-noise. A global shutter means there is no distortion of fast-moving objects making the camera well suited for VFX applications.

The Codex Camera Control Recorder can be used to operate the camera head and adjust white balance, exposure index and frame rates. Delivery formats, via Codex media stations or Codex Vault workflows, include Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD, uncompressed and H.264.

For lenses, Action CAM offers C-mount plus EF, PL and B4-mount adaptors, giving cinematographers a wide choice of glass options. Along with 2D production, Codex Action CAM can also be used in S3D applications. Two camera heads can be connected to the Codex Camera Control Recorder, and the signals undergo identical processing, delivering completely synchronous S3D output and identical image properties, such as white balance and contrast.This makes shooting S3D simple and straightforward. Shutter sync, Genlock and LTC capabilities allow Codex Action CAMs to be easily synchronized with other digital cinematography cameras.